Saturday, October 17, 2015

Had the incredible opportunity last weekend to sit down with one of the finest drummers on the music scene...Tony Escapa. Have been staying in touch with Tony on and off for quite some time, and it was so great to finally be able to see him live. I dropped off his 1.5 Steel--4 x 15 which is the drum I really wanted his vibe on. I also thought it would fit perfectly with his style. Initial reaction was fantastic. Not only from Tony, but the crew as well. (Link below for an excellent clip from sound check). He even included it in the first set which to me was an unbelievable compliment that I will always remember. Your a good guy Tony, and are an amazing & astonishing talent. Thank You Again for everything...

Want to issue a big Thank You to Tony's drum tech for the One World Tour: Ben Lythberg. Ben is also the stage manager for The Offspring, and is a vastly experienced/traveled drummer. Your comments and time were hugely valued Ben.

As well, my introduction to Tony was through Jamo Van DeBogert (Greg Allman, Independent, VP-School Of Rock). You have been a wonderful friend Jamo, and I am always thrilled that you own a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14, & 5.5 x 15...And use them all of the time.

If you did not see Ricky Martin this time...The next opportunity you must take if your looking for a truly unreal live experience. It is an enormous operation on the road that seemingly runs flawlessly. No way to describe it...It has to be seen. There is over 70 people on the road with this show, and watching this production live is a true tribute to how good all of these people are at their jobs.

Just heard from Max Shapiro, and it was so great to hear from him. It has been a bit. He sent me pics from one of the recent shows with his band, one of the most popular in the D.C. area: White Ford Bronco. He pulled out his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 for some recent shows lately, and said regarding the drum: "It's been killer"! Thanks Again Max....Hugely appreciate the message. Looking forward to more news on the band, and your comments on the drum.... (Photo Credits: Kevin Koski...Great shots Kevin)

Andy Parker recently updated his site, and as always...UFO is in great demand. The band is heading back to Europe for yet another round of shows, with shows being continually added. Loyalty and Business can go hand in hand. In the case of UFO...That is extremely evident. The fans are die-hard's, including the younger next-generation of fans they have garnered. On the business part of it...This band continues to deliver unbelievably solid shows with enthusiasm, sincerity, and with no signs of slowing down. They were always great live, and today they still are. Not only that, but they are even better than they were in the earlier days in some ways I think.

Andy has been a long-time and loyal supporter of Beier Drums, plays them exclusively live, and has used them on a number of UFO records as well. Currently he has two complete rigs: One in Europe, and one in the US. Both have a variety of sizes of the 1.5 Steel. In Europe on the road with him right now is the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14, 6.5 x 14 & 6.5 x 15. Links below for live clips & Andy's & UFO's websites....

Looking forward to seeing you later this Winter you guy's. And...Happy Birthday Kate!!!

It is always very special to me to see one of the many images I have seen, and the most recent of the 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 behind Artimus Pyle's kit live. He has been using it exclusively with the Artimus Pyle Band for quite some time now, and he absolutely and completely loves the drum. He has mentioned to Monte Yoho (The Outlaws, Blackhawk) that it quite simply is the best snare drum he has ever used. Link below to a short solo with it, and a live clip with the band. I met Artimus at a show with The Outlaws, and Monte went out of his way for me like he always has to introduce me to him. Monte also uses the 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 live exclusively, and a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 as an auxiliary. Not only Monte...But the entire band in The Outlaws & Blackhawk are crazy about the sound of that drum!

In both pictures as well is the guitar player for the Artimus Pyle Band-Jerry Lyda. Jerry is also the owner of Music City Asheville, and is an Authorized Dealer for Beier Drums. He currently has in stock a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 in Gloss White. This is a color that I will not be doing a lot of in that size, and is one of the few that I have done in Gloss White. Any size can also be ordered through Music City Asheville as well.

Sam Lumsden (Independent, First Class Drums Instruction) was kind enough to take time out from a busy schedule of teaching & playing to send me several clips. He covered Tool's "Schism" and Lippincott's "Animals As Leaders"with his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15, and Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" with his 5.5 x 14. The 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 is used as his primary. Flawless job as always Sam! Appreciated this very much. Your chops & the drums sound awesome. Always great to hear from you...

It was great to see that Dennis Diken of The Smithereens was back out on the road with Dave Davies of The Kinks. I was fortunate enough to see them live last year when they were in the area. That was the first round of these shows, and it is wonderful to see them continuing. Dennis used the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 for the show here, and has used his live in shows with The Smithereens. He is an amazing player, and like you will read everywhere always.....He is a great person as well. Link below to a live clip of his solo with The Smithereens, a link to a clip from the show in Milwaukee with Dave Davies, and some pics from the show. Special Thanks as always to the always helpful & congenial Brad Elvis (The Handcuffs, The Romantics) for the introduction...

Mark Beckett (Olivia Newton John, Grand Ole Opry) simply has got to be one the most active and involved drummers I know in the Nashville scene and beyond. You guy's are all so great about keeping me posted with updates, and I absolutely love hearing and listening to all of the latest news. He recently got together with one of the greatest guitarists of all time-Steve Cropper (Ranked 39th-Rolling Stone), for the 50th Anniversary of RCA Victor Studio with his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14. Incredible. He has also used this drum live with Olivia Newton John, along with his primary for her show-The 1.5 Steel--4 x 15. Link below to clip of the event. Look for updates on Mark and his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 13 which will be arriving the beginning of November...Tx Mark...

A big Thank You going out to Bobby Blair of Nashville's Top 10 charting Love & Theft. He recently dropped me a line to let me know he picked up a 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 15 at Fork's in Nashville, and he started using it right away live with the band. I just cannot tell you how much I appreciate your correspondence, and your next order for the 8 x 15. That should be arriving today at Fork's, and will very much look forward to hearing your feedback on the drum. Congrats Again on your upcoming anniversary date on 11/03/2015. Looking forward to staying in touch Bobby...

Doll Skin has been signed by Megadeth's David Ellefson on EMP Records through the legendary Megaforce Records. An upcoming release is set for the end of October, along with tour dates to follow. Thanks Again to Randy Walker and John Aqulino's, owner of The Platinum Undertground Studio, for their work on the record, Doll Skin's debut was recorded with the Beier 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 that John has in the studio after Randy Walker introduced him to my line. Meghan Herring just received her 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 in Gloss White, and will be taking it for all live show dates for Doll Skin. Very much looking forward to this release, and clips from the live shows. Congrats Girls! (Update 10/26: Special Thanks to Randy Walker for sending one of the first pics from the shows below, and to Marco Llanos for taking it and allowing me to publish it). UPDATE: Link below to first video from the new record, and a second image from Marco Llanos of Sonall Percussion.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Was great to hear from Trent Anderson (Bang Tango,Tuff) in Chicago that he was laying down tracks for an upcoming release with his 1.5 Steel Snare--6.5 x 14. He uses the 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 live, and also has used a 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 15 live extensively. One of his current projects, the Chicago based Sushi Roll Band is one of the top cover band draws in the area. They have been playing constantly all over the Midwest to as far as Las Vegas for an extended gig at Harrah's. Will update this blog when the release is out. Link below with information on dates for Sushi Roll Band. Hope to see you soon. (Update 10/26: Trent is also in the studio doing tracks with Sushi Roll Band (pic below) with his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14. This blog will be updated when both sessions are out...TX Trent!)

One of Nashville's most respected players, live performers & session players...Mark Beckett (Olivia Newton John, Grand Ole Opry)...Just completed a single with an upcoming artist-Brittany JoAnna (McLamb): "Drop That Hoe". Mark was using the 1.5 Steel--4 x 15. I have pointed out on several occasions that the idea for this drum was his. I manufactured the drum here at Beier Drums. I added my snare beds, etc.., But the entire concept and initial idea was his, and the drum has been a huge-huge hit with players all over. It it is also his main snare for Olivia Newton John's show in Las Vegas. It will also be coming out in an issue in Modern Drummer very soon with Mike Dawson discussing this in an article as well. I bought the single as I always do...And it is a great production from A-Z. All The Best to you Brittany, and Thanks Once Again Mark Beckett.....